Despite being yanked, Keenum remains confident

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Case Keenum has had seven chances to prove he should be a starting quarterback for the immediate – and long-term – future of the Texans.

But another ineffective effort Thursday night, as well as another loss, could signal the end of the Keenum experiment that has done little to convince the Texans they shouldn’t look at quarterbacks in next May’s NFL draft.

Jacksonville’s 27-20 victory at EverBank Field was the second win in 11 days for the Jaguars over the Texans.

Keenum, in his second season after a record-breaking stint at the University of Houston, was benched late in the third quarter with the Texans down 24-10. For the second time in four games, all he could do is watch from the sideline as Matt Schaub tried in vain to bring the team back.

Ever hopeful

“It’s tough, regardless. We didn’t win,” Keenum said. “That’s tough on me. I’m a competitor and a winner. When I don’t win, I’m not happy.”

The Texans got as close as 24-20 with 11:31 remaining, but Schaub missed a fourth-down pass at the Jaguars’ 12 and had an interception with 2:08 to play.

The Texans’ losing streak swelled to 11, while Jacksonville now has won four of its last five.

Nobody, including Keenum, is sure what’s going to happen next.

“We’re fighting for our jobs every day,” he said. “That’s any position out here. I’m battling every time I step out there on the field. There’s no looking over my shoulder. I’m looking forward all the time. That’s just how I operate.